Signs that Speech Delay Might Be a Cause for Concern

Signes indiquant qu’un retard de parole peut être préoccupant

Language development in children is a gradual and individualized process, but there are common milestones that can help parents and caregivers assess whether a child is on track or may be experiencing a delay. By 12 months, most children are babbling, mimicking sounds, and saying basic words like “mama” or “dada.” At 18 months, they typically have a vocabulary of at least 10 words and understand simple commands. By the age of 2, a child usually forms two-word phrases such as “want milk” or “go outside,” and by 3 years old, their speech should be understandable to others outside the immediate family.

Speech delay can manifest in different ways: a complete lack of spoken words, limited vocabulary, difficulty forming sentences, or poor comprehension of basic instructions. It’s important to differentiate between a temporary delay — which some children naturally outgrow — and more significant issues such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental language disorder, hearing impairment, or general cognitive delay. While some children are simply “late talkers,” others may need professional intervention to make progress.

Parents should seek medical or developmental advice if a child does not respond to their name by 12 months, does not babble, has no words by 18 months, doesn’t combine two words by age 2, or experiences regression in speech skills. Additional warning signs include lack of social interaction, absence of gestures like pointing or waving, or poor comprehension of simple verbal cues.

Early screening is crucial, as early intervention is often associated with better outcomes. Specialists may use standardized tools to assess the type and severity of delay, and depending on the suspected cause, further testing such as hearing assessments, developmental evaluations, or neurological exams may be recommended. Treatment varies but often involves speech therapy, behavioral interventions, and parental guidance.

It’s important to remember that children develop at different rates, but ignoring red flags can delay necessary support. Parental involvement is vital: reading aloud, speaking frequently with the child, singing songs, and encouraging communication through play are all proven strategies that stimulate language development.